FCCC closely monitoring wholesalers and pharmacies to ensure adequate supply of medicines

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is closely monitoring the situation with wholesalers and pharmacies to ensure there is adequate supply of medicines with New Zealand in a lock down.

CEO Joel Abraham says Ray Pharmaceutical which is a major wholesaler has reported that due to the lock down in New Zealand for 4 weeks, domestic stock purchase within New Zealand will be prioritized.

Abraham says most of the orders are on hold now and the same is expected if Australia goes under lock down since most of the essential medicines, medical and health products are imported from Australia and New Zealand.

He says all stock that exists are expected to last till May and wholesaler’s have indicated that people should not panic as there is enough to cater for time being.

He says the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society is currently limiting quantities to avoid one patient hoarding essential medication.

Abraham says most pharmacies across the country are engaging in such limits to ensure that they do not run out of stock due to panic buying and that everyone has access to medication.